If I Could Buy Only One – April 29th, 2017 VINTAGES Release

As part of our VINTAGES recap for April 29th, we asked our critics: “If you could buy only one wine from this release – which one would it be and why?”

Our picks from the April 29th VINTAGES release:

David Lawrason – I have already purchased one bottle of Renato Ratti 2015 Ochetti Langhe Nebbiolo to enjoy with pizza, and I will be buying more. It needed about 60 minutes to really open by the way – at which most of the bottle was gone. I am a fan of Piedmont reds, and love tasting Barolo and Barbaresco. But they are expensive, indeed largely overpriced. So when this affordable nebbiolo from a favourite producer crossed my path in VINTAGES tasting lab, my antennae shot up. No it doesn’t have quite the depth and structure of Barolo, but it has a fragrant nose or rosemary/juniper, strawberry/cranberry fruit, cedar and vague earthiness. It is mid-weight, quite supple and charming with fine juicy acidity. Good enough for me.

Michael Godel – A Washington State cabernet sauvignon and a Coonawarra shiraz really got their hooks into me from this release so the fact that neither is my only one comes as a surprise, even to me. I am instead going all in on the dark, extracted and expressive Domaine des Houdières 2015 Fleurie, because gamay season has truly begun, along with BBQ and patio time. I would drink that. I would actually drink the case load out of this bright, energetic and decidedly Fleurie Fleurie. More fruit than earth (by a terroir long shot) with dark raspberries and ripe plum. There is some drying tannin but the texture keeps the fruit plush and hydrated. Great value in gamay.

Sara d’Amato – Viña Real is Cune’s historic Alavesa estate, a small sub-region of Rioja where the combination of high-elevation plantings and clay-limestone soils make for some spectacular wines. This largely tempranillo-based blend with small portions of garnacha, graciano and mazuelo is accessible now and offers an impressive range depth of flavour for the price. Peppery with notes of violets and saffron, this Rioja would make a sophisticated pairing with paella.

Use these quick links for access to all of our Top Picks in the New Release. Non-Premium members can select from all release dates 30 days prior.

Lawrason’s Take
Sara’s Sommelier Selections
Michael’s Mix

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